Percussion Therapy
Simply put, percussion therapy devices are self-massage tools, but boy have these gadgets gotten good. Professional-grade tools like the Hypervolt by Hyperice deliver deep, targeted therapy for muscles and joints with a range of customizable speeds and head attachments. They’re easy to take on the go and perfect for the days in between your Zeel massage.
Benefits
- Desensitizes sore spots, relaxes stiffness, and helps prevent delayed onset muscle soreness induced by a tough workout
- Accelerates warmup and recovery with targeted pressure pulses to activate or loosen muscles/fascia throughout the body
- Improves range of motion and flexibility, reaching both the superficial and deep muscle fibers
Options to Explore
Hypervolt: The original game-changer in pro-grade percussion technology (now with Bluetooth technology to guide your usage in real time) – ON SALE for a limited time in the Zeel Store for $299 ($50 OFF the regular price)!
Hypervolt Plus: All the benefits of the original Hypervolt with 30% more power – ON SALE for a limited time in the Zeel Store for $349 ($50 OFF the regular price)!
Hypervolt GO: Ultra-lightweight and whisper-quiet, perfect for gym bags and suitcases ($199)
Virtual Reality
Need an excuse to buy that Oculus Rift? Here it is: A fast-growing body of research indicates that certain types of VR experiences can have powerful effects on the brain’s perception of pain, both physical and mental. VR ain’t just for gamers and techies anymore.
Benefits
The working theory on how VR reduces pain is that by stimulating the visual cortex while also engaging other senses, the immersive experience acts as a distraction to the brain, limiting its processing of nociceptive stimuli—AKA pain.
Hospitals and pain clinics have been developing VR-centric protocols for a few years now, alongside consumer apps designed specifically for nervous system responses that result in reduced depression, anxiety, and physical pain.
Options to Explore
Flowly is one of the first mobile/VR apps designed to address chronic pain and anxiety.
Top VR programs for health & wellness, compiled by the VR clinical research team at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center
Top relaxation & meditation apps for the Oculus Go and Oculus Quest
Pulsed Electromagnetic Field (PEMF) Technology
PEMF therapy sends low-level magnetic frequencies non-invasively into the body to address pain and healing on a truly cellular level. Delivery of this current to damaged cells stimulates cellular repair by improving blood flow and nutrient uptake and reducing inflammation, thus decreasing pain.
Common Uses & Benefits
PEMF therapy is effective for those suffering from chronic or acute musculoskeletal pain, including generalized back, neck, or joint pain, as well as conditions like arthritis.
PEMF has also been shown to be effective in managing post-operative pain after numerous types of surgeries.
PEMF can also aid athletic recovery by accelerating cellular repair and helping speed up the muscular healing process.
It’s even been shown to support mental health, with promising results for treating depression and PTSD/anxiety.
Options to Explore
MiraMate Mini Magic wearable PEMF machine for localized use (starting at $185)
NeoRhythm wearable PEMF device (starting at $299)
InfraMat Pro® full-length far infrared PEMF Mat ($1,600)
HAELO advanced PEMF device ($2,840)
Transcutaneous Electrical Nerve Stimulation (TENS) & NeuroMuscular Electrical Stimulation (NMES) Technology
Frequently confused with PEMF’s electromagnetic frequencies, TENS and NMES devices both direct low-voltage electrical current to nerves in the body. The effect is to block or reduce pain signals to the brain and spinal cord, while also triggering production of the body’s natural painkillers—endorphins.
While PEMF therapy aims to trigger cellular repair and ultimately heal the source of pain, TENS and NMES therapies mask the pain response in the brain, essentially concealing it.
Benefits
As a noninvasive treatment, electrical current therapies are a compelling alternative to pharmaceuticals for chronic pain management. TENS & NMES units are also small and portable, offering convenient access to pain relief on demand.
Precautions
The electrical currents that characterize these treatments make them inadvisable for pregnant women, people with epilepsy or heart problems, and anyone with a pacemaker or other electrical or metal implant. Research has also shown that regular TENS use can result in the development of tolerance.
Options to Explore
Omron Total Power + Heat™ TENS Unit ($89.99)
iTENS wearable TENS units ($79.99)
NeuroMD Corrective Therapy Device ($199)
A Note From the Safety Desk…
As you of course know, you should always consult your doctor before incorporating any new tool or therapy into your health routines. The content here is for informational purposes only and should not be interpreted as medical advice or recommendations.
